Isuzu 3KC1 Specifications
| Engine Model: Isuzu 3KC1 |
| Engine Type: 4-stroke in-line 3-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 59.8 cu.in (0.98 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 20-30 Hp (15-22 kW) at 3000 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Indirect injection |
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The Isuzu 3KC1 is a compact, liquid-cooled,
three-cylinder diesel engine frequently utilized in light machinery such
as mini excavators, portable generators, and agricultural equipment.
This naturally aspirated power unit is known for its durability and high
fuel efficiency in light-duty applications. A marine-adapted version
(3KC1-M) exists for small fishing boats, alongside a turbocharged
variant (3KC1-T) that elevates power output for more demanding
industrial tasks.
The Isuzu 3KC1 is a testament to compact diesel engineering,
prioritizing longevity and economical operation over high power output.
Its cast-iron construction ensures resistance to thermal stress and
mechanical wear in harsh environments. The engine employs an indirect
injection (IDI) fuel system, which contributes to smoother operation and
reduced noise compared to direct injection units of similar size. A 3KC1
engine was recognized by Isuzu Diesel for achieving 18,974 operating
hours in an 8 kW generator, underscoring its extreme longevity.
Maintenance is straightforward, built around robust mechanical
components with wide parts availability.
Engine Family: Isuzu 3K Series.
Configuration: Inline 3-cylinder, 4-stroke diesel.
Displacement: 980 cc (0.98 L / 59.8 cu.in).
Bore x Stroke: 74.0 mm x 76.0 mm (2.91 in x 2.99 in).
Compression Ratio: 23.0:1.
Firing Order: 1-3-2.
Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated (NA) or turbocharged variant (3KC1-T).
Maximum Power (Base NA): 16.4 kW (22 hp) at 3000 rpm.
Maximum Power (Range): 20-30 hp (15-22 kW).
Power (Turbocharged Variant): Up to 37 kW (50 hp).
Peak Torque: 78 Nm (58 lb-ft) at 2200 rpm.
Rated Speed: 2800-3000 rpm for industrial use.
Idle Speed (Low): 1100 rpm.
Emission Standard: RoHS certified (materials).
Material: Cast iron.
Configuration: Inline vertical.
Cylinder Liners: Parent bore (no removable liners).
Number of Cylinders: 3.
Bore Diameter: 74.0 mm (2.91 in).
Main Bearings: 4 main bearing caps.
Construction: Robust design for high thermal stress resistance in
continuous operation. The engine serial number is stamped on the block
near the injection pump mounting face.
Material: Cast iron.
Valvetrain: Overhead valve (OHV) with pushrods and rocker arms.
Valves per Cylinder: 2 (1 intake, 1 exhaust).
Total Valves: 6.
Valve Arrangement: In-line (parallel to crankshaft).
Intake Valve Clearance (Cold): 0.20-0.25 mm (0.008-0.010 in).
Exhaust Valve Clearance (Cold): 0.30-0.35 mm (0.012-0.014 in).
Cylinder Head Gasket: Composite metal material.
System Type: Indirect injection (IDI).
Injection Pump: Inline mechanical pump (Bosch / Zexel type).
Governor: Mechanical centrifugal type (variable speed).
Injectors: Mechanical nozzle-and-holder type, pintle design.
Injection Timing (Static): 16° BTDC.
Fuel Filter: Spin-on type with integral water separator.
Fuel Type: Diesel No. 1-D or No. 2-D.
The indirect injection design utilizes a pre-combustion chamber in the
cylinder head. This system operates at lower injection pressures than
direct injection units, contributing to quieter combustion and reduced
maintenance frequency.
System Type: Gear-type positive displacement pump, full-flow filtration.
Oil Capacity (including filter): 5.2 L (5.5 qt).
Oil Pressure (Hot, Rated Speed): 290-410 kPa (42-60 psi).
Oil Pressure (Hot, Low Idle): Minimum 70 kPa (10 psi).
Oil Specification: API CD, CE, CF-4, or CI-4; SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40.
Oil Change Interval: 100 operating hours.
Oil Filter: Full-flow spin-on element.
Oil Pan: Stamped steel with drain plug (M14 x 1.5 thread).
System Type: Water-cooled with centrifugal water pump.
Coolant Capacity (engine only): 3.0 L (3.2 qt).
Thermostat (Opening Temperature): 71°C (160°F).
Thermostat (Full Open): 85°C (185°F).
Coolant Specification: Ethylene glycol base, 40/60 to 50/50 mix with
distilled water.
Water Pump Drive: V-belt driven.
Radiator Cap Pressure: 75 kPa (11 psi).
Fan Drive: Direct-mount on water pump pulley.
0Optional IHI or Garrett unit on 3KC1-T variant with intercooler.
Electrical System: 12 V.
Starter Motor: 1.4 kW (12 V), pinion teeth: 8.
Alternator: 12 V / 35 A or optional 40 A.
Glow Plugs: 3 units (12 V), pre-heat time 5-8 seconds at 0°C (32°F).
Flywheel Housing: SAE #4 (industrial) or SAE #5 (generator).
Flywheel: 280 mm (11.0 in) diameter, ring gear with 108 teeth.
Dry Weight (without flywheel, starter, alternator): 128 kg (282 lb).
Length (fan to flywheel housing): 680 mm (26.8 in).
Width (overall, including exhaust manifold): 470 mm (18.5 in).
Height (oil pan rail to rocker cover top): 610 mm (24.0 in).
Oil Pan Depth (standard): 120 mm (4.7 in).
Crankshaft Centerline Height: 215 mm (8.5 in) from pan rail.
Oil Change Interval (industrial): 100 hours.
Fuel Filter Change Interval: 300 hours.
Coolant Change Interval: 1000 hours or 2 years.
Valve Lash Inspection Interval: 300 hours.
Air Filter (dry type): Inspect every 100 hours; replace at 500 hours.
Injector Inspection Interval: 1000 hours.
Glow Plug Replacement: 2000 hours or as needed.
Belt Tension Check: Every 100 hours (V-belt deflection 10-15 mm /
0.4-0.6 in).
Cylinder Head Bolts (M12 x 1.5), Stage 1: 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
Cylinder Head Bolts (M12 x 1.5), Stage 2: 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).
Connecting Rod Bolts (M9): 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
Main Bearing Cap Bolts (M12): 78 Nm (58 lb-ft).
Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolts (M10): 65 Nm (48 lb-ft).
Flywheel Housing to Block: 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
Rocker Arm Shaft Bracket: 32 Nm (24 lb-ft).
Intake Manifold (M8): 18 Nm (13 lb-ft).
Exhaust Manifold (M8): 22 Nm (16 lb-ft).
Injector Hold-Down Clamp: 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
Glow Plug: 15 Nm (11 lb-ft).
Oil Pan Drain Plug (M14): 45 Nm (33 lb-ft).
Thermostat Housing Bolts (M6): 10 Nm (7.4 lb-ft).
Valve Cover Bolts: 8 Nm (5.9 lb-ft).
Construction: Hitachi EX30, EX35 mini excavators; Komatsu PC20, PC25
mini excavators.
Construction (cont.): Takeuchi TB035 compact excavator; Kubota U25-3.
Generator Drive: 8 kW to 15 kW diesel generator sets (Kirloskar, FG
Wilson, SDMO).
Agricultural: Mitsubishi MT180, MT200 compact tractors; Iseki TX1510,
TX2000 tractors.
Agricultural (cont.): Water pumps, rice transplanters, and small
irrigation pump sets.
Marine: Small fishing boats, workboats, and sailboat auxiliary drives
(3KC1-M).
Industrial: Forklifts (3-5 ton capacity), scissor lifts, and small
compressors.
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| Outboard Engines Technical Specifications |
